So you invested in a nice, plush tufted rug for your home. But after a few months, Baily and Max’s muddy paws or the kid’s latest spill makes your once-pristine rug look like it belongs in the dumpster.
You frantically Google:
“Can I wash my tufted rug?”
I get it. You desperately want your rug to look new again. But should you throw it in the washing machine?
Here’s the deal:
You CAN wash some tufted rugs. But others require special care that only a professional carpet cleaner can provide.
Keep reading, as a professional custom tufted rugs manufacturer, I will help you to find out if machine washing is an option for YOUR tufted rug.
Can You Wash Tufted Rugs?
Whether or not you can wash your tufted rug depends on a few key factors:
The Backing Material
Tufted rugs can have a few different types of backing materials like:
- Latex
- Fabric
- Rubber
- Foam
Latex and fabric backings are common. But they can fall apart if soaked in water.
So tufted rugs with these backings should NOT go in the washing machine.
Rugs with a sturdy rubber or foam backing have the best chance of surviving a spin cycle.
Construction Quality
Some tufted rugs are cheaply made with low-quality glue and stitching. The batting inside might even be paper-thin.
These types of rugs will likely rip apart in the wash.
But higher-end tufted rugs are tightly constructed and reinforced to handle more wear and tear. If your tufted rug seems sturdy and well-made, it might hold up in the washing machine.
Fiber Content
Delicate fibers like silk and wool are easily damaged in water.
But synthetic fibers like polyester and olefin can usually handle washing.
So if your tufted rug contains natural fibers, I’d avoid the washing machine altogether.
The safest option is to check the manufacturer’s tag on your rug. This should tell you the fiber content and if machine washing is allowed.
How to Wash a Tufted Rug
If the stars align and your tufted rug has a chance of surviving the wash, follow these steps:
1. Vacuum Thoroughly
You want to remove all loose dirt, dust, and debris before washing your rug. Otherwise you’ll just be moving grime around in the water.
Use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. And vacuum both sides of the rug. Pay special attention to high traffic areas.
When you’re done, the rug should look freshly vacuumed with no visible dirt or dust bunnies.
2. Pretreat Stains
Pretreating stains prevents them from setting permanently in the wash. It also stops stains from spreading to the rest of the rug.
Carefully blot any wet stains with a clean rag or paper towel. Avoid excessive rubbing.
For set-in stains, use an oxygen-activated cleaner like OxiClean. Sprinkle it onto the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
3. Fill Your Bathtub With Lukewarm Water
Avoid hot water since heat can damage fibers and cause colors to bleed.
Lukewarm water allows stain-fighting ingredients to activate without damaging the rug.
Plug the drain before running the water. Fill the tub high enough to completely submerge your rug.
4. Add a Mild Detergent
Skip the harsh laundry detergents here. The fragrances and brightening agents are too aggressive for delicate rugs.
Instead, use a small amount (1⁄4 cup or less) of gentle, dye-free dish soap or rug shampoo.
Woolite makes a nice Delicate Cycle liquid detergent that’s safe for hand washing rugs.
Gently swish the detergent around to create some suds.
5. Immerse and Soak Your Rug
Place your rug into the soapy water, making sure it’s fully submerged.
Let it soak for 5-10 minutes so the detergent can lift stains from below the surface.
Avoid vigorous scrubbing since this can damage the fibers.
6. Drain and Rinse
After soaking, drain the dirty wash water and run clean water into the tub.
You may need to drain and refill a few times to fully rinse away all soap residues.
Gently press down on the rug while rinsing to force water through every part of the fibers.
7. Roll Up and Stand On End
Once thoroughly rinsed, gently lift and roll your rug up widthwise to remove excess water.
Carry the rolled rug to an open area and stand it on one end.
Letting gravity draw out the moisture prevents long drying times (and funky mildew smells!)
8. Lay Flat to Dry
Unroll your rug and lay completely flat, ideally in a well-ventilated area.
Point box fans directly on it to speed drying. Just don’t place rugs in direct sunlight since this can fade colors.
Fluff and rotate periodically as the rug dries. This prevents matting and uneven shrinkage.
It can take 24-48 hours for a thick tufted rug to dry completely. So be patient here.
And that covers the proper way to hand wash and dry tufted rugs!
Remember: even with these safe cleaning methods, there’s always a chance machine washing can ruin your tufted rug.
So examine your rug closely and consult the manufacturer before deciding if washing is worth the risk.
Now, let’s shift gears and talk alternatives if washing isn’t possible…
How to Clean Tufted Rugs Without Washing
Many tufted rugs should NOT be washed due to their latex backing, delicate natural fibers, or risk of loose stitching.
But dry cleaning your tufted rug is risky since chemicals easily damage fibers.
So what’s the solution for refreshing your rug minus the washing machine or dry cleaners?
Here are my top tips for safely cleaning tufted rugs on your own:
Regular Vacuuming
Vacuuming once every 2-3 days keeps dirt from getting ground into tufted rug fibers. But avoid vacuums with beater bars since they can shred delicate loop piles.
Stick with a suction-only model and always use the wand attachment for rugs.
Spot Clean Spills ASAP
Instantly blot wet spills with a dry light-hued cloth. Avoid rubbing since friction drives stains deeper.
For set-in stains on wool or synthetics, use an oxygen cleaner like Biokleen Bac-Out. Rinse thoroughly after 10 minutes of dwell time.
Gently dab the suds out instead of scrubbing harshly. And always avoid excessive moisture that could damage the rug’s latex glue.
Fluff With a Carpet Rake
Between vacuumings, a carpet rake brings flattened piles back to life.
Work top to bottom over the entire rug. Use short strokes in alternating directions. This restores loft while removing deeply embedded hair and dust.
Deodorize With Baking Soda
Baking soda absorbs musty odors like cat urine without adding moisture or chemicals.
Liberally sprinkle on both sides of soiled spots. Let sit overnight, then thoroughly vacuum up the next day along with odors!
Freshen With Lemon Juice
Naturally brighten dingy rugs by mixing equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist over the entire rug, allow to dry completely, then vacuum as usual.
The fresh citrus scent helps eliminate funky carpet smells too!
When to Call a Professional Rug Cleaner
Home remedies can tackle surface-level dirt on tufted rugs. But over time, grime gets trapped deep inside the fibers.
So even with your best vacuuming and spot cleaning efforts, rugs need the occasional “deep clean” to look revived.
That’s where professional deep cleaning comes in…
These guys have commercial equipment that flushes out years of accumulated filth from inside the rug’s pile. Way more effective than home carpet cleaners!
Professional rug cleaning methods are also safer for delicate tufted rugs. The right cleaner will get your rug sparking and fluffy again without using excessive water or harsh detergents.
So how do you know it’s time to call in the pros? Here are some signs:
- Visible dirt and stains remain after home cleaning
- Musty, unpleasant carpet odors
- Rug traffic areas feel stiff and matted
- Overall dull, dirty appearance
Ideally, you should get tufted rugs professionally cleaned every 12-24 months. This prevents dirt from becoming permanently attached over time.
When searching for a local rug cleaning company, read reviews and ask about their experience with tufted rugs. Avoid companies that focus only on wall-to-wall carpet cleaning.
And finally, always check for any rug manufacturer warranties. Many require professional cleaning at prescribed intervals to remain valid.
Keep Your Tufted Rug Looking Fresh
Caring for a tufted wool, polyester, or nylon rug isn’t hard. But their special construction does require some TLC (and cleaning know-how) to keep them looking gorgeous.
With my washing and dry cleaning tips above though, you can easily remove stains and revive dull, matted fibers all on your own.
Just remember—when in doubt, call a pro! Hiring a reputable rug cleaner every year or two is the best way to extend the life of fine tufted rugs.
So now that you know how to properly clean tufted rugs, you can finally give your floors that cozy yet elevated look you’ve been dreaming of!